African Nations Navigate Opportunities and Constraints in a Shifting Global Order
Berlin, Germany – October 8, 2025 – As the international landscape fragments into a multipolar system, African actors are actively assessing both the leverage and limitations presented by emerging geopolitical dynamics. A new analysis from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (IDOS) highlights how African states are responding to increased competition between major powers-the United States, China, Russia, and the European Union-and seeking to maximize their agency in a more complex world. The research underscores that while multipolarity offers potential benefits like diversified partnerships and increased investment, it also introduces risks of heightened competition, debt traps, and the exacerbation of existing vulnerabilities.
The rise of multiple influential global players presents African nations with unprecedented opportunities to diversify their economic and political relationships, reducing dependence on traditional partners. However,this newfound leverage is tempered by internal challenges – including governance issues,infrastructure deficits,and security concerns – and the potential for external actors to exploit these weaknesses. The IDOS study identifies a critical need for African states to strengthen regional cooperation, develop coherent strategies, and prioritize enduring development to effectively navigate this evolving geopolitical terrain. The stakes are high: prosperous navigation could unlock important economic growth and enhanced political influence, while failure risks further marginalization and instability.
The IDOS research team examining these trends includes Jasmin Lorch, a political scientist; Karina Mross, a political scientist; Anna Pegels, an economist; Wulf Reiners, a political scientist; and Christopher Wingens, a political scientist. Their work focuses on understanding the nuances of African agency within this shifting global order and identifying pathways for maximizing benefits while mitigating risks.
